Replies

1. 
   TLE_ | Apr 10, 2000 02:33am | #1

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   I'm not suprised that you are now doing a comparison of differant screw guns. I held off purchasing one for a couple of years waiting for this article. Gave in and bought a Quik-drive, Dewalt powered, strip-feed, with the stand up extension and the adaptor to use 3" screws. Even though it works good for me, I'm sure your article will tell me I could have done better. Story of my life.

1. 
   James_DuHamel | Apr 10, 2000 05:46am | #2

   *Hello Derek,I have the Quik-Drive system, powered by Stanley/Bostitch driver. I have the SGA2, and the SGA3 version. The SGA2 will shoot coil fed screws, 1" to 2" long. I use this gun, with the extension, for subflooring and sheathing work. The SGA3 will shoot 2" to 3" screws, and I use it for deck construction.I love both of them, and they have never given me any trouble. The screws are cheap ($29.00 to $39.00 for a box of 1000 screws, depending on size and coating), and the screws are easy to get. I like the coiled screws better because there is less down time loading the gun versus strip feed. Just my two cents worth...James DuHamel

1. 
   Joe_Guarino | Aug 01, 2000 01:55am | #3

   *I have been using the Quick- Drive system w/ a porter cable gun. I am very impressed with it. I recently built a 40'x100'deck over a tennis court. It is under a tent at a country club and is now a temporary dining facility. I used 3/4" T&G underlayment over 2x4 sleepers. We tacked the sheets as we went and when all sheets were laid, my laborer screwed it off in around 3 hours. The system has paid for itself many times over. I have found it to be indespensable for drywall installations as it frees up the hand that is usually putting screws on the tip of a conventional gun. Screw costs have never been an issue for the reasons described above.

1. 
   The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Aug 01, 2000 03:47am | #4

   *Screws used in auto feed guns are mostly useless...they are too brittle and their shaft is too thin...I was one of the first in the country to use these guns and I am probably one of the first to swear never to use them again...I now use larger screws, special nails, blind fasteners and the like...all much better for both strength and looks along with speed and cost...no auto feed screw guns soon...near the stream,aj

1. 
   FRAMERUSA | Aug 20, 2000 04:39pm | #5

   *I use the Quick drive system, too, have for about 3 years now. It has held up ok so far, but its design doesnt seem rugged enough to stand up to daily use. The main trouble I have seen is when using coated deck screws the screw tends to get stuck in the bit.You can alleviate this to some degree by spraying silicon on the strip heads before loading them. Only use silicon, and frequently, to lube the drive mechinism. Oil will just gum it up as sawdust builds up. I also have to blow it off with air every 30 min. or so to keep it functioning.

2. 
   Phill_Giles | Aug 21, 2000 08:19am | #6

   *I've seen the Holz-Her being used on a dock: it was certainly fast, but the guys using it complained that it was a tad short and their backs were worse off than when they were on their knees because they had to crouch a little for every screw.

2. 
   Derek_McDonald | Aug 21, 2000 08:19am | #7

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   I'm doing a tool review for FHB and have just completed a test of leading
   auto-feed screwguns as relates to screwing 3/4 OSB sub flooring to
   manufactured truss joists. I have come to my own conclusions, but would
   very much appreciate your input. I'd like to know what brands you have
   used, why you chose your current brand, what features you like (and
   dislike), what tasks you use the tool for, and anything else you would
   care to offer. Your experiences are appreciated.